Natural care and soaps: the obligation to comply with the INCI nomenclature
Why does the ingredient list of a soap or cream sometimes seem to be written in Latin? These terms generally correspond to the INCI nomenclature, a standardized system used to name cosmetic ingredients.
An INCI list is not designed to make a product mysterious. Rather, it allows the same ingredient to be recognized from one brand or country to another. It helps consumers compare formulas and identify ingredients they are sensitive to.
Here's how to read it, what Health Canada currently requires, and what changes are coming in 2026 for fragrance allergens.
What is INCI nomenclature?
INCI stands for International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient. Health Canada defines an INCI name as the name assigned to an ingredient in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook.
Plant-based ingredients often appear under a botanical name, sometimes accompanied by a common name in parentheses and the part of the plant used. This is why a familiar oil can seem much more complicated on the label.
A common language
The same ingredient can be recognized even if the product is sold under a different brand or in a different language.
Better comparison
The list allows for comparing compositions without relying solely on trade names or words on the front of the product.
A tool for sensitivities
A person who knows an ingredient they react to can look for its standardized name before using the product.
Important: a long, botanical, or scientific name does not automatically mean an ingredient is synthetic or concerning. Conversely, the word "natural" alone does not guarantee that an ingredient will suit all skin types.
How to read a cosmetic ingredient list
Start with the first ingredients
In Canada, ingredients are generally listed by their concentration by weight, from most to least abundant.
Know the 1% exception
Ingredients present at 1% or less and colorants can be listed in any order after ingredients present at more than 1%.
Look for the term "fragrance"
The INCI term "fragrance" can refer to an ingredient or a mixture added to produce or mask an odor. Some allergens must now be disclosed separately.
Evaluate according to your needs
A list does not allow one to declare a product universally "good" or "bad." Primarily look for your known allergens, preferences, and ingredients suitable for your skin.
| What the INCI list can show | What it cannot alone conclude |
|---|---|
| Ingredients present in the formula | The exact concentration of each ingredient |
| The general order of ingredients | That the product will suit everyone |
| The presence of certain allergens or ingredients to avoid | That a natural product is automatically safer |
What must a cosmetic sold in Canada display?
The Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations govern, among other things, product identity, contact information for consumers to ask questions, the list of ingredients, and necessary warnings.
- Product identity, such as "soap," "shampoo," or "moisturizing lotion," must be clear when not obvious.
- The ingredient list must be clearly legible and remain so throughout the product's useful life.
- INCI names do not have to be repeated in both French and English.
- Contact information must allow consumers to ask questions about the cosmetic.
- Necessary warnings must accompany the product when avoidable risks exist.
What about very small packaging?
Health Canada's guidelines now allow the list to be provided on a website when small packaging does not allow for legible display. A bilingual statement must then appear on the label with the website address, and access to the list must be direct.
A QR code can be added, but it does not replace the necessary bilingual statement and address. For certain bulk or irregularly shaped cosmetics that cannot receive a label, such as some bath bombs, specific rules allow for a list accompanying the product at the point of sale.
Fragrance allergens: what changes in Canada in 2026
The Cosmetic Regulations have been amended to require individual disclosure of certain fragrance allergens when they exceed established thresholds: 0.01% in a rinse-off product and 0.001% in a leave-on product.
24 allergens
Twenty-four fragrance allergens must be disclosed when they exceed the prescribed thresholds.
81 allergens — new cosmetics
The expanded list will apply to new cosmetics placed on the market from this date.
81 allergens — existing products
Existing cosmetics will then have to comply with the expanded list when thresholds are exceeded.
Why this change? The term "fragrance" can encompass several substances. Disclosing certain allergens helps individuals who are aware of them make a more informed choice.
Some common INCI names
Here are simplified examples of ingredients often used in soaps and body care products. The exact form may vary depending on the ingredient, its processing, and the recognized name in the INCI dictionary.
Ingredient transparency at Oréra
A short formula is not necessarily better than a long one: it all depends on the product's function. A simple soap, a face cream, and botanical salts naturally do not have the same composition.
We list the ingredients of our products so you can consult their composition before choosing. Here are three examples of Oréra care products with very different formulas.
Notifying a cosmetic to Health Canada
The ingredient list on the label and product notification are two distinct obligations. According to Health Canada, manufacturers and importers must submit a notification within ten days of a cosmetic's initial sale in Canada.
This notification includes the product name, relevant contact information, its type, function, area of application, ingredients, and the concentration of each. It must also be updated when information changes, such as composition, product name, or company contact details.
An essential nuance: submitting a cosmetic notification does not mean that Health Canada "approves" or certifies the product. The manufacturer or importer remains responsible for its compliance.
What to do in case of a problem?
For a simple question about an ingredient list, start by contacting the company. If a cosmetic causes an adverse reaction, poses a risk, or has missing or incorrect safety warnings, consumers can use Health Canada's incident reporting form.
Frequently asked questions about INCI lists
Why are some ingredients written in Latin?
Plant-based ingredients are often designated by a standardized botanical name. This way of naming allows for precise distinction of the plant, the part used, and sometimes the form of the ingredient.
Do INCI names need to be translated into French and English?
No. Health Canada indicates that INCI names used in the ingredient list do not have to be repeated in both official languages.
Is the first ingredient always the most abundant?
Generally, yes. Ingredients are listed by their concentration by weight. However, ingredients present at 1% or less and colorants can be placed in a different order after those present at more than 1%.
Does a long list mean the product is less natural?
No. The length depends on the product type and its function. An emulsified cream typically requires more components than a body oil composed of a single oil.
Does a notification mean Health Canada has approved the product?
No. Health Canada specifies that notification does not constitute approval for sale or confirmation that all requirements are met.
Can the list only appear on a website?
In the case of small packaging that does not allow for a legible list, Health Canada authorizes this solution under certain conditions, including a bilingual statement and the website address on the label.
Official sources
Kristel Audet
Founder and creator of natural skincare
Article updated in July 2026 based on information published by Health Canada. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Requirements may change; always consult official texts and guidelines.
Read also
Natural Soap Making: Cold Process Saponification
Read the article
Starting with natural skincare: 7 common mistakes to avoid
Read the article
Why choose natural body care and soaps?
Read the article